Last month, 111 countries convened in Dublin, Ireland to endorse
the Cluster Munitions Convention, a treaty to ban the use of cluster
bombs. Cluster bombs are munitions used in combat which eject smaller
"bomblets" when they are set off. Many are dropped or launched but do
not explode until years later, harming or killing civilians who unintentionally come in
contact with them.
This treaty includes provisions barring the production, stockpiling, and transfer of cluster bombs. Nations, organizations, and victims of cluster bombs around the world have worked for many years to bring about this agreement. It will not only eradicate cluster bombs, but actively support the victims of cluster explosions.
The treaty will be formally signed in December of 2008 by the 111 original countries, and any other countries that have since endorsed it. After countries sign the treaty, each of their governments must ratify it. Once 30 countries ratify the treaty it becomes international law. Once the treaty becomes law, it will be an important tool to end the use of these indiscriminate weapons.
The Cluster Munitions Coalition, which has been a major leader in the campaign to end cluster bombs, has a petition called the People's Treaty which was re-launched when the treaty was endorsed in Dublin. The Petition calls on governments who have already signed the treaty to carry it through to law. It also calls on countries who have not yet signed (like the United States) to sign on in December.Add your name to this important petition by clicking on the link above!
(Photo courtesy of Flickr user Leesan under the Creative Commons License )
Comments